Kaustic Plastik Roman Gladiator Thraex

From Wikipedia :
The Thraex (pl. thraeces), or Thracian, was a type of Roman gladiator, armed in the Thracian style with small rectangular shield called a parmula (about 60 x 65 cm) and a very short sword with a slightly curved blade called a sica (like a small version of the Dacian falx), intended to maim an opponent's unarmoured back. His other armour included armoured greaves (necessitated by the smallness of the shield), a protector for his sword arm and shoulder, a protective belt above a loin cloth, and a helmet with a side plume, visor and high crest.

He and the hoplomachus, with his Greek equipment, were usually pitted against the murmillo, armed like a legionary, mimicking the opposition between Roman soldiers and their various enemies.

Kaustic Plastik (KP) is a new company that originates from Italy and are located in the city of Rome hence the interest in ancient Roman culture and fighting men. The owner of the company was once working for Twisting Toys that was specialize in making various branches of WW2 Italian troops.
KP promises collectors real, historically accurate reproduction of an ancient Roman fighting men in 1/6 scale. They have an in house adviser archeologist who help determine the color, design and how the gear was carried by the men of those times. KP has also make full use of the various museums at close proximity to gather info and to lock down details.
Gear that are originally metal will be reproduced into 1/6 scale with metal, as best they can. Metal work production are done in Italy while the rest from their appointed factory partner in China (as is 99% of other toys LOL!!)

Metal parts were done exquisitely and as I have mentioned in ACI's offerings, details are much sharper when reproduced in plastic. But metal gear bear accuracies in terms of material as well as the not-so-defined details which could be real given the type of manual blacksmith craft of those times. The "pleather" holds well too after 2 years in display (bought it in Nov 2011).
However, because of the metal gear, the figure is quite heavy and it is a challenge to keep the figure on it's foot given the small pair of feet. Here, the nude isn't given an attention to the feet as what ACI has. This looks like a generic feet meant to be hidden in a boots. Thumbs down there.
The left arm that holds the shield also seem to not have a tight enough shoulder hinge that it is almost impossible the pose it fighting and maneuvering the shield without being it lowering down from the weigh of the shield. Another point minus there from the nude.
 Shin guards are however a work of art. The details are beautifully recreated in metal and these 2 pieces of metal plates lands stability to the figure.
The Sica in my set is a little off center so I tried to "bend" it back to alignment thinking that the metal should have a little bit of malleability. How wrong I was. It snapped off right at the edge of the sword's guard. Then I realize it is compressed metallic powder. Really no way to have the heavy blade back on with the sturdiness I desired.
Nevertheless, uses Uhu Glue generously and let it cure for a couple of days. looks like ok to be displayed again though you really need to handle with extreme care when posing. Uhu Glue is ideal as it is hardened given time to cure, but not brittle like most of the super glue.
Overall, the Thraex compliments Murmillo nicely vice versa and since they are naturally pair up as opposing Gladiators, all the more reason to have them both in a collection.
KP just need to improve on their nude and they should be a force to behold in this genre of 1/6 action figures.